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Friday, December 17, 2010

There is a light at the end of the December madness tunnel- I know there is. I can’t see it, but I’m crossing my fingers that it is actually there.

As cheerful and happy as December may be, it is stressful and tiring and consuming. Countless Christmas gatherings, frantic holiday shopping, home decorating, greeting card writing, , party hosting, mad traveling, and crazy eating – all to the tune of Christmas music can frazzle even the most cheerful December-lover.

In the whirlwind, taking a deep breath, a step back, and making at least some of your gifts can actually take some of the pressure off (skipping the mall really helps!). If the holiday season gives you lemons, jam them and give them away! Easy as 1-2-3.

One: drive to your local grocery store (you are probably going there anyway) and buy the following: 12 lemons, olive oil, 2 bunches marjoram (or oregano). Also, get the smallest canning jars you find (aisle 12- ) 4 oz each old fashioned pattern or not comes in a box of 12.

Chop it until the lemon is chunks and put it in the jars you bought. These quantities will make twelve 4 ounce jars.. You adjust to your needs- more or less.

Three: make a cute tag with what’s in the jar. Done.

Save the rest of the story- where the recipe comes from (Teri Ripetto at Potager, published in Colorado Organic) and what to serve it on (a grilled ribeye, a baked fish, a bresaols-topped crostini topped with bresaola, or like I did tonight, as a base for dressing for a shaved fennel salad).

Beautiful photos here, and I love this idea! It is so quick and easy, and the lemon flavor is probably so bright since you dont boil it down. And jams for use in savory eats are very welcome! Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

Probably a good thing I didn't see this earlier; either yesterday or today cause I've been doing operation food gifts. It's what I do for everyone every year and this will be a keeper to remember.

This year JUST cookies, a fruit and nut bread and some rum cinnamon caramel sauce. Right now I'm going to relax a bit since I just finished packaging all 12 gifts and dropping 6 off at FedEx a bit ago but tomorrow is another day and I want this!

I agree. After spending an exhausting day at the mall...I so wish that I had made more of my gifts at home. There is nothing like doing something I already love (baking/cooking) to bless one of my friends or family members! This jam looks great...and I know I would love to receive it. Thanks for sharing, my friend!